Eating behaviour

The first years of life are characterized by rapid developmental changes related to eating. Infants will progress from a supine or semi-reclined position to a seated position and from a basic suck-swallow to a chew-swallow mechanism, learning to feed themselves and making the transition to the family diet and meal patterns.

Mild and transient feeding problems occur in 25% to 35% of young children, while severe and chronic feeding problems occur in 1% to 2%. Common conditions include overeating, poor eating, feeding behaviour problems and unusual or unhealthy food choices. The problem seems more prevalent in children with developmental disabilities, with an estimated 33% experiencing mealtime difficulties.

Most eating problems in healthy children are temporary and easily resolved. However, eating problems that persist can undermine children’s growth development and relationships with caregivers, leading to long-term health and developmental problems.  Of increasing concern are the many young children who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies because of their poor dietary intakes and reliance on foods high in fat and sugar, and refined carbohydrates. These poor nutritional patterns (high fat, sugar and refined carbohydrates; sweetened drinks; and limited fruits and vegetables) increase the likelihood of micronutrient deficiencies (e.g. iron deficiency anemia) and overweight in children.

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